DHAKA, Aug 27, 2023 (BSS) - A Sanitation Data Command Centre is going to be launched to create an information and data-driven, integrated and automated data ecosystem for healthy and sustainable sanitation system in the country.

Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) and Aspire to Innovate (a2i) today jointly organized a day-long workshop titled 'Finalization of Indicators for the Establishment of Sanitation Data Command Center' with the participation of public and private stakeholders to this end, said a press release here today.

Principal Coordinator of SDG Affairs at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Md Akhter Hossain was present at the workshop as the chief guest while Secretary of the Cabinet Division (Coordination and Reforms) Md Mahmudul Hossain Khan and Statistics and Informatics Division Secretary Dr Shahnaz Arefin joined the event as special guests.

Project Director (joint secretary) of a2i Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan presided over the workshop.

According to the release, once the centre is introduced, it will speed up data-based policy formulation and implementation of plans in all city corporations, municipalities and various establishments of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Md Akhter Hossain said ensuring sustainable sanitation for all is essential to improving public health.

Bangladesh has already achieved significant success in attaining the 'Millennium Development Goals' in the sanitation programme, which has been widely appreciated in the international arena, he said, adding, the government is now implementing different initiatives to ensure safe sanitation for all by 2030.

Noting that the PMO will provide all sorts of support to implement the indicators set in this centre, Akhter hoped that establishment of the Sanitation Data Command Center will accelerate Bangladesh's progress in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

DPHE Additional Chief Engineer Tushar Mohon Shadhu Khan delivered welcome address at the workshop while a2i Policy Advisor Anir Chowdhury presented a keynote on 'Data Sanitation Governance and Smart Bangladesh' topic.